Oceanside, CA: John Pearson Smith, 97, passed away on October 9, 2008 in Oceanside, California.
John Pearson Smith was born to John Pearson Smith and Clara Jones Smith on November 15, 1910 in Logan, Utah in his grandmother’s home that is now known as The Cottage.
He learned the printing trade very young and worked in his grandfather’s print shop, John P. Smith and Sons.
John started playing the trombone at 10 years old. He played in the Logan City Municipal Band and school bands before attending Utah State. During that time he played at the Pantages Theater and for silent movies. He soon moved to Hollywood and played for the 20th Century Fox band and appeared in the movie, Alexander’s Ragtime Band.
When he married and had children, he returned to the printing trade. He and his wife Thelma owned a print shop in Los Angeles.
He was an avid genealogist, gardener and golfer. He also returned to music thirty years ago and was in three bands until he turned 95.
He is survived by his wife Thelma and four children, Jay, Sue, Steve and Judy, 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his step-daughter, Kaye.
His family has always enjoyed his music, loved his stories and appreciated the example he set of working hard. He always did things the right way, not the easy way. He always finished what he started, and when it came to being a father, he had more patience than his children thought was humanly possible. He always had a positive attitude and, at times, it seemed that he was so busy he kind of forgot to get old or slow down.
He will be remembered for his legacy of seeking knowledge, his kindness, his dignity and his strong testimony of the gospel.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 16, 2008 at the Logan City Cemetery. A viewing will be held prior to services beginning at 10:00 AM at the Allen-Hall Mortuary. Condolences may be sent to the family at
www.allenmortuaries.net